Mitch Santner Comments on India’s Advantage of Playing in Dubai

India’s scheduling of Champions Trophy matches has been a topic of debate throughout the tournament, and just before the final, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has made his thoughts clear on the matter.

The Kiwi skipper has acknowledged that India holds an advantage heading into the Champions Trophy 2025 final due to their familiarity with the Dubai conditions. However, Santner remains confident in his side’s preparation, stating that the Black Caps are ready to adjust to the challenge posed by the slower pitch at the venue.

India have played all their matches at a single venue, a factor that has contributed to their smooth journey to the final. In contrast, other teams faced hectic travel schedules due to the hybrid model agreed upon for this tournament. New Zealand were among those teams, traveling to Dubai, returning to Pakistan for the semi-final, and then flying back to Dubai for the title clash. Mitchell Santner and his team arrived in Dubai on Thursday evening, shifting their entire focus to the high-stakes March 9 final.

“They’ve played all their games here and understand the surface well,” Mitchell Santner said. “It might play a little slower than what we got in Lahore, and the game could turn into more of a battle. But we are prepared to fight for every moment.”

Mitchell Santner also downplayed concerns about fatigue from constant travel. “It’s part of the challenge in tournaments like this,” he said. “We’ve traveled a lot, but the team has adjusted well. As long as we’re ready when the game starts, that’s what matters.”

India and New Zealand have already faced off in the group stage, where Rohit Sharma’s side secured a 44-run victory. Despite the loss, Mitchell Santner believes that experience has provided New Zealand with valuable insights that could prove crucial in the final.

India will enter the March 9 final as the favorites, but with Mitchell Santner leading the charge, the Kiwis will be hoping to pull off an upset—just as Pakistan did in the 2017 final.